What the numbers mean
Words counts sequences of letters, digits, apostrophes and hyphens. Hyphenated words count as one, which matches how editors count.
Characters with and without spaces matters for different limits. Twitter and SMS count with spaces. Translation agencies and some publishers bill per character without spaces.
Reading time assumes 225 words per minute, an average for adults reading non-fiction on screen. Speaking time assumes 130 words per minute, a calm presentation pace.
Common limits worth knowing
| Where | Limit |
|---|---|
| Meta description | 155 to 160 characters |
| Page title in search results | 55 to 60 characters |
| SMS, single message | 160 characters |
| LinkedIn post before “see more” | about 210 characters |
| University essay page, 1.5 spacing | roughly 250 to 300 words |
The frequency list
The most used words appear below the numbers once a word shows up more than once. Very short words and common filler words are excluded in both English and German, so the list shows the words that actually carry your text.
It is a quick way to notice repetition. If one word dominates a text you did not intend to be about that word, you have found something to edit.
Questions
Is my text stored anywhere?
It stays in this browser's local storage so you do not lose it when reloading the page. It is never sent to a server and you can clear it with the Clear button.
How are words counted exactly?
A word is a run of letters, digits, apostrophes or hyphens. So "state-of-the-art" is one word and "don't" is one word.
Why is the reading time different from other tools?
Different tools assume different speeds, from 200 to 275 words per minute. This one uses 225 for reading and 130 for speaking aloud.
Does it work offline?
Yes, once the page has loaded. Nothing here needs a server.